Utility light



Aug. 17, 1948. J FORBES 2,447,403

UTILITY LIGHT Filed May s, 1946 J5 /Z Z559 Patented Aug. 17, 1948 T-orries UTILITY LIGHT James E. Forbes, Dallas, Tex. Application May 3,1946, Serial No. 666,948

1 Claim. 1

This invention relates to utility lights and more particularly to suchdevices of a portable nature operable by an electric circuit connectedwith a source of direct current such as the storage battery of anautomobile.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a portable means forillumination operable by a current emanatin from a source of directcurrent electric power. The embodiment of this invention includes theuse of a lamp having a sealed lighting element with insulated terminals.A handle attached to the top of the lamp container provides a convenientmeans for carrying or holding the unit.

Another object of the invention is to provide a comparatively waterprooflighting unit adapted for eificient use in rainstorms or in localitiessubject to great humidity. This invention is of great convenience andutility to hunters and fishermen, and may be submerged in water for areasonable length of time if necessary or desirable without impairingthe efliciency or period of usefulness of the device.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a handy and compacttrouble lamp for motorists operable by plug-in connection to theexisting direct current electric circuit of an automobile. A suitablelength of electrical conductor permits the light unit to be moved to orplaced in a position of reatest utility.

With the foregoing-objects as paramount, the invention has furtherreference to certain features of accomplishment which will becomeapparent as the description proceeds, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherem:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a utility light constructed accordingto the invention.

Figure 2 is an end elevational view of the inven tion as seen from theside not shown in Figure 1, and

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the invention showing the housing unitopen to illustrate the manner of construction and arrangement of partswithin.

Continuing with a more detailed description of the drawings it will benoted that the invention is embodied into a compact unit having atwo-piece container comprised of a bottom receptacle ID for storing anelectric conductor II when not in use, and a cover l2 connected with therecptacle ID by a hinge it, as illustrated in Figure 1. A conventionalluggage lock I4 is used for securing the container in a closed position,as shown in Figure 2. A circular opening in the side of the container isformed by the removal of a portion of a wall of the bottom receptacle l0and the cover I 2 to permit the placement therein from the interior ofsaid container of a lamp l5 of the sealed unit type. The lamp [5 isretained in position by a coiled spring l5 fastened to opposite walls ofthe cover l2 and directly engaging the rear surface of said lamp IS.

A properly insulated terminal mounting l1 provides means for connectingthe electric conductors II to the lamp l5, thus permitting the efficientuse of the lamp when immersed in a fluid capable of electricalconductivity, or when subjected to extended use in atmospheres of highhumidity. An insulated combination clamp and bracket i8 is fastened tothe inner surface of the rear wall of the cover l2 serving to maintainsulfioient slack in the electric conductor H from its position to theterminal mounting I! for unimpaired contact should undue strain beplaced upon the conductor ll while movin the light from one position toanother. An opening I9 is provided in the cover l2 to afford an outletfor the conductor ll when the light is in use. While the lamp is intransit or not in use the conductor II is stored within the receptacleH], as shown in Figure 3. A handle 28, afiixed to the top of the coverI2, serves as means for holding or carrying the unit.

Sheet metal is preferably employed in the construction of the receptacleI 6 and the cover [2, although other materials of a strong and durablenature may be used satisfactorily. The use of the sealed lamp unit l5obviates the necessity for a separate lens, lamp and reflector or anysubsequent insulating problem likely to arise from the use thereof.

In use as a trouble lamp or spotlight for motorists the conductor isconnected to the battery circuit of an automobile by a plug inserted inan outlet provided in the instrument panel or at other convenient placesfor maximum efiiciency and versatility. In the case of large truckssuitable outlets may be provided on the sides and rear for satisfactoryuse with a comparatively short conductor. Hunters, fishermen, andpicnickers will find this lamp of great convenience and usefulness.

Manifestly, the construction as shown and described is capable of somemodification and such modification as may be construed to fall withinthe scope and meaning of the appended claim is also considered to beWithin the spirit and intent of the invention.

What is claimed is:

A utility lamp comprising a box composed of related hinged sections, onewall of each section being recessed to define a, circular opening whensaid sections are closed, a sealed lamp unit in said box whose lensprotrudes through said opening, a coiled spring anchored at each end toa wall of one of said sections and adapted to bear against and imposetension on said lamp unit to hold the same in fixed relationship withsaid opening, means within one of said sections for retainin an electricconductor for illuminating said lamp, means for latching said sectionsin closed position and means for transporting said box.

JAMES E. FORBES.

REFERENCES crr n The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

